If you live in southeast New Brunswick, you will soon see major construction at Dorchester Penitentiary. The federal government selected Ontario based construction firm EllisDon Corp. to design and build a new health centre for prison inmates. The project brings a massive investment to the region and replaces aging infrastructure.

According to a report from CBC News, the 155 bed facility will cost over $1 billion and is slated for completion in 2032.

Dominic LeBlanc, Liberal Beauséjour MP and federal trade minister, speaking at a news conference inside Dorchester Penitentiary on Tuesday. (Image source: Shane Magee/CBC)

What the New Facility Offers

The new centre will sit on the grounds of Dorchester Penitentiary in an area that once served as a working farm. It replaces the 53 bed Shepody Healing Centre currently located inside the main prison building. The upgraded facility will provide mental and physical health care in both French and English to men and women in the federal correctional system.

Economic Impact for New Brunswick

This project represents a significant economic boost for the region. Dominic LeBlanc, the Liberal MP for the area and federal trade minister, announced the successful bid during a news conference at the prison.

“The health centre of excellence project will bring a total investment of over $1 billion and the design and construction will bring an estimated 450 jobs to the region, starting right now,” LeBlanc said.

Addressing Aging Infrastructure

Prison officials note the existing Shepody facility is too small and unsafe. Spread over several floors, the current setup features stairs between cells and common rooms. This creates major challenges for inmates with limited mobility. Furthermore, an elevator connecting an upper level common room to a medical suite is too small to hold a gurney.

Correctional Service of Canada commissioner Talal Dakalbab highlighted these poor conditions when discussing the project cost.

“I haven’t had one discussion with a staff union member or offenders who didn’t talk to me about the aging and the critical condition of some of our infrastructure,” Dakalbab said.

Controversy and Pushback

Not everyone agrees with the billion dollar price tag. Correctional Investigator of Canada Ivan Zinger released a report last year calling the plan a “profound misallocation of resources.” Zinger suggested the federal government should instead partner with provincial facilities for acute mental health services.

Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree rejected this criticism. He argued the federal system desperately needs a dedicated space for high risk offenders.

“What we’re lacking, I think in the federal system, is the centre of excellence that brings together very high risk offenders who require the intensity of psychiatric care as well as mental health care that is simply not available right now,” Anandasangaree said.

Construction on the new facility begins next year.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the new Dorchester prison hospital be completed?
Officials expect construction to begin next year with a target completion date in 2032.

How much will the new health centre cost?
The federal government anticipates the project will represent an investment of more than $1 billion.

Who is building the new facility?
The federal government selected Ontario based EllisDon Corp. to design and build the health centre.

Why is the current facility being replaced?
The existing 53 bed Shepody Healing Centre is too small, aging rapidly, and poses safety and accessibility challenges for inmates and staff.